Knitwear Care Tips from the Experts, #FabricConditioner

We Are Knitters sells DIY knitting and crochet kits that they design and create themselves (there are some super awesome kits on their website that I’ve got my eye on, like check out this Beginner Level Chewing Gum Sweater). They are one of the leaders of the handknit revolution, that is seeing people’s perceptions of knitting change from something you think of your granny doing, to something modern and fun.

These guys know their knits. They understand wool. They know what the right wool is to use for the right project. They are leagues and leagues ahead of a novice knitter like myself. So when they say, “Hey, this is the right way to wash and care for your handknit items.” I am guessing their opinion is worth listening to.

So I stop and pay attention when We Are Knitters suggests using Downy to keep your knits looking and feeling their best. They recommends using Downy Fabric Conditioner to condition the fibres of the cashmere and knitwear pieces in their collection. And if it’s good enough for the delicate handknits that you (or someone else) have spent hours creating, it’s definitely good enough for store bought knitwear, right? At least that’s what my train of thought was when I decided to do an experiment testing out how Downy worked to protect my kid’s favourite sweater dress.

That said, check out these Care Tips For Knits, Wool and Cashmere:

1. Always check the care label before laundering as some items can only be dry cleaned.

2. Zip up the zipper and button all buttons (if applicable) to keep them from rubbing against fabrics
and causing damage; then turn garment inside out to further protect the outside of the
garment. Separate colors into lights, brights, and darks to avoid dye transfer.

3. For machine washable items:
a. Set your washing machine to gentle cycle on cold water wash temperature. Cold-water
washing will help prevent fading and dye transfer, and help preserve the fit.
b. For particularly delicate items, put into a mesh bag to minimize rubbing against other
fabrics.
c. Use a high quality detergent like Tide PODS, a convenient 3-in-1 laundry product that
cleans, fights stains and brightens your garment. NOTE: As with all single use packets,
add the Tide POD to the washing machine drum before adding the clothes.
d. Add Downy Fabric Conditioner to the rinse cycle to help prevent stretching, fading and
fuzzing. When used with Tide detergent, Downy Fabric Conditioner can help keep
clothes looking newer for longer – allowing you to get a whole extra season out of your
garments!

4. For hand wash only items:
a. Fill a clean sink with cool water and add a small amount of delicates-friendly liquid
detergent, like Tide Free & Gentle Liquid; then mix. Add your garment. Let soak for 15
minutes; then lightly agitate for three to five minutes. Rinse until suds are removed. Do
not wring or twist.
b. Remove garment from sink. Fill sink with cool water and add a small amount of Downy
Fabric Conditioner; then mix well. Add your garment to the sink and agitate lightly for
three to five minutes. Rinse once. Just like a hair conditioner helps to protect hair and
prevent frizzing, Downy Fabric Conditioner will condition your garment to help prevent
stretching, fading and fuzzing.
c. Remove excess water from the garment by placing it flat on a clean towel and rolling the
towel with the garment inside. Repeat as needed until garment is only slightly damp.

5. Check care label for drying instructions:
a. For tumble dry garments: Use the lowest heat setting available with Bounce dryer
sheets to help prevent wrinkling and static.
b. For air dry only garments: Reshape garment; then lay flat to dry on a drying rack or on a
towel away from heat and sunlight. Turn over as needed until dry.
c. When in doubt, lay flat to dry as heat from the dryer can damage some fabrics over
time.

What about you folks? Do you knit? Have you ever tried a kit from We Are Knitters?

For further info on DIY knit kits and knitwear care for tips:

• check out the We Are Knitters website.
• follow We Are Knitters on Twitter.
• visit We Are Knitters on Facebook.
• check out the Downy website.
• follow Downy on Twitter.
• visit Downy on Facebook.

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Downy. You should know I only ever recommend brands and products that I believe in, and, as always, my words and opinions are my own.